Finding the right words to explain a project delay during a meeting, especially in a different cultural context like a Korean workplace, can be stressful. You want to be clear, professional, and maintain good team dynamics. Don’t worry, this guide provides comprehensive Korean expressions and cultural insights specifically for explaining delays to your teammates. You’ll learn how to state the situation, explain reasons, propose solutions, and navigate the nuances of Korean workplace communication effectively, ensuring your message is understood and well-received.
Table Of Content
- Core Expression: Stating the Delay
- Key Expressions: Informing About the Delay
- Key Expressions: Explaining the Reason for Delay
- Key Expressions: Proposing Solutions and Next Steps
- Practical Tips: Applying in Real Life
- Korean Culture Notes
- Real Conversation Example
- Additional Useful Information: Expressions Worth Knowing
- Core Elements of the Topic: A Detailed Look
- Conclusion: Practice Tips
Core Expression: Stating the Delay
When you need to inform your teammate about a delay in a Korean business setting, having a go-to phrase is essential. This core expression is polite, direct enough for clarity, and commonly used in professional environments.
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Expression: 일정이 좀 늦어지고 있습니다
Pronunciation: il-jeong-i jom neut-eo-ji-go it-seum-ni-da
Meaning: The schedule is being delayed a bit.
This phrase is a standard and polite way to announce a delay. The word 일정 (il-jeong) means ‘schedule’ or ‘timeline’. 좀 (jom) means ‘a bit’ or ‘slightly’, softening the statement. 늦어지고 있습니다 (neut-eo-ji-go it-seum-ni-da) is the present progressive form of 늦어지다 (neut-eo-ji-da), meaning ‘to be delayed’, conjugated in the formal polite 습니다 (seum-ni-da) style suitable for meetings. Using this expression immediately signals the situation without sounding overly alarming or abrupt, setting a professional tone for further explanation.
You would typically use this phrase at the beginning of your explanation during a team meeting or when updating a colleague directly about the project status. It serves as a clear and concise opening, allowing you to then elaborate on the reasons and the revised plan. Its versatility makes it suitable whether the delay is minor or significant, although the subsequent explanation will need to reflect the severity.
Remember that while directness is sometimes valued, Korean communication often favors softening potentially negative news. The inclusion of 좀 (jom) achieves this subtly. Follow this statement immediately with reasons or context to provide a complete picture and show you are managing the situation.
Key Expressions: Informing About the Delay
Clearly communicating that a delay has occurred or is expected is the first step. These expressions range from simple statements to slightly more detailed notifications, suitable for various meeting contexts.
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Expression: 죄송하지만, 프로젝트 일정이 지연될 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, peu-ro-jek-teu il-jeong-i ji-yeon-doel geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but it looks like the project schedule will be delayed. -
Expression: 현재 작업이 예정보다 늦어지고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: hyeon-jae jak-eob-i ye-jeong-bo-da neut-eo-ji-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The current task is running later than scheduled. -
Expression: 마감일을 맞추기 어려울 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: ma-gam-il-eul mat-chu-gi eo-ryeo-ul geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It seems like it will be difficult to meet the deadline. -
Expression: 예상보다 시간이 더 걸리고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ye-sang-bo-da si-gan-i deo geol-li-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s taking more time than expected. -
Expression: OO 작업에 차질이 생겼습니다.
Pronunciation: OO jak-eob-e cha-jil-i saeng-gyeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: There has been a setback/hitch in the OO task. (Replace OO with the specific task) -
Expression: 진행 상황을 업데이트 드리자면, 약간의 지연이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: jin-haeng sang-hwang-eul eop-de-i-teu deu-ri-ja-myeon, yak-gan-ui ji-yeon-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: To update you on the progress, there is a slight delay. -
Expression: 계획대로 진행되지 않고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: gye-hoek-dae-ro jin-haeng-doe-ji an-ko it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s not proceeding according to plan. -
Expression: 원래 계획보다 시간이 좀 더 필요할 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: won-rae gye-hoek-bo-da si-gan-i jom deo pil-yo-hal geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It seems we’ll need a bit more time than originally planned. -
Expression: 부득이하게 일정이 변경되었습니다.
Pronunciation: bu-deuk-i-ha-ge il-jeong-i byeon-gyeong-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The schedule has unavoidably changed. -
Expression: 납기를 지키기 어려울 수도 있습니다.
Pronunciation: nap-gi-reul ji-ki-gi eo-ryeo-ul su-do it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It might be difficult to keep the delivery date. -
Expression: 지금 상황으로는 마감이 조금 늦어질 전망입니다.
Pronunciation: ji-geum sang-hwang-eu-ro-neun ma-gam-i jo-geum neut-eo-jil jeon-mang-im-ni-da.
Meaning: As things stand now, the deadline is expected to be slightly delayed. -
Expression: 일부 공정에서 지연이 발생하고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: il-bu gong-jeong-e-seo ji-yeon-i bal-saeng-ha-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Delays are occurring in some processes. -
Expression: 전체 일정이 영향을 받을 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: jeon-che il-jeong-i yeong-hyang-eul bad-eul su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The entire schedule might be affected. -
Expression: 현재로서는 완료 시점을 정확히 말씀드리기 어렵습니다.
Pronunciation: hyeon-jae-ro-seo-neun wan-ryo si-jeom-eul jeong-hwak-hi mal-sseum-deu-ri-gi eo-ryeop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: As of now, it’s difficult to state the exact completion time. -
Expression: 일정 재조정이 필요할 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: il-jeong jae-jo-jeong-i pil-yo-hal geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It seems a schedule readjustment will be necessary.
These phrases provide various ways to introduce the topic of a delay. Starting with an apology like 죄송하지만 (joe-song-ha-ji-man) is common and shows consideration. Using phrases like ~ㄹ 것 같습니다 (~l geot gat-seum-ni-da), meaning “it seems like” or “it looks like,” softens the statement and makes it less definitive, which can be preferred in initial announcements before all details are confirmed.
Highlighting specific aspects like the 마감일 (ma-gam-il – deadline) or 납기 (nap-gi – delivery date) makes the communication more precise. Mentioning 차질 (cha-jil – setback/hitch) or 지연 (ji-yeon – delay) are direct but standard terms in a business context. Choose the expression that best fits the specific situation and the level of certainty you have about the delay.
Remember to always use the formal polite ~습니다/ㅂ니다 (~seum-ni-da/m-ni-da) ending in meetings with colleagues, unless your workplace has an unusually casual atmosphere or you are very close with the teammate and the meeting setting allows for it (which is less common for formal progress updates).
Key Expressions: Explaining the Reason for Delay
After stating that there is a delay, providing a concise and clear reason is crucial. Avoid blaming individuals and focus on the issue itself. These expressions help articulate the cause professionally.
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Expression: 예상치 못한 문제가 발생해서 그렇습니다.
Pronunciation: ye-sang-chi mot-han mun-je-ga bal-saeng-hae-seo geu-reot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s because an unexpected problem occurred. -
Expression: 기술적인 어려움 때문에 지연되고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: gi-sul-jeok-in eo-ryeo-um ttae-mun-e ji-yeon-doe-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s being delayed due to technical difficulties. -
Expression: 외부 요인으로 인해 일정이 늦어졌습니다.
Pronunciation: oe-bu yo-in-eu-ro in-hae il-jeong-i neut-eo-jyeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The schedule was delayed due to external factors. -
Expression: 필요한 자료를 제때 받지 못했습니다.
Pronunciation: pil-yo-han ja-ryo-reul je-ttae bat-ji mot-haet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We couldn’t receive the necessary materials/data on time. -
Expression: OO 부서와의 협업에 시간이 더 소요되고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: OO bu-seo-wa-ui hyeob-eob-e si-gan-i deo so-yo-doe-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Collaboration with the OO department is taking more time. (Replace OO with the department name) -
Expression: 승인 절차가 예상보다 길어졌습니다.
Pronunciation: seung-in jeol-cha-ga ye-sang-bo-da gil-eo-jyeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The approval process took longer than expected. -
Expression: 인력 부족으로 작업 속도가 더딥니다.
Pronunciation: il-lyeok bu-jok-eu-ro jak-eop sok-do-ga deo-dim-ni-da.
Meaning: The work pace is slow due to a shortage of personnel/manpower. -
Expression: 요구사항 변경으로 인해 추가 작업이 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: yo-gu-sa-hang byeon-gyeong-eu-ro in-hae chu-ga jak-eob-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Additional work is required due to changes in requirements. -
Expression: 데이터 분석에 예상보다 많은 시간이 걸렸습니다.
Pronunciation: de-i-teo bun-seok-e ye-sang-bo-da man-eun si-gan-i geol-lyeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Data analysis took much more time than anticipated. -
Expression: 시스템 오류가 발생하여 복구 중입니다.
Pronunciation: si-seu-tem o-ryu-ga bal-saeng-ha-yeo bok-gu jung-im-ni-da.
Meaning: A system error occurred, and we are currently recovering it. -
Expression: 테스트 과정에서 몇 가지 이슈가 발견되었습니다.
Pronunciation: te-seu-teu gwa-jeong-e-seo myeot ga-ji i-syu-ga bal-gyeon-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Several issues were discovered during the testing process. -
Expression: 우선순위가 높은 다른 업무 때문에 지연되었습니다.
Pronunciation: u-seon-sun-wi-ga nop-eun da-reun eom-mu ttae-mun-e ji-yeon-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It was delayed because of other tasks with higher priority. -
Expression: 공급업체 측 문제로 부품 조달이 늦어졌습니다.
Pronunciation: gong-geup-eop-che cheuk mun-je-ro bu-pum jo-dal-i neut-eo-jyeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Procurement of parts was delayed due to issues on the supplier’s side. -
Expression: 시장 상황 변화에 대응하느라 시간이 걸렸습니다.
Pronunciation: si-jang sang-hwang byeon-hwa-e dae-eung-ha-neu-ra si-gan-i geol-lyeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It took time to respond to changes in market conditions. -
Expression: 자세한 내용은 추후 다시 설명드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ja-se-han nae-yong-eun chu-hu da-si seol-myeong-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will explain the details again later. (Use if you need more time to investigate or explain)
When explaining the reason, using phrases like ~때문에 (~ttae-mun-e) or ~으로 인해 (~eu-ro in-hae), both meaning “due to” or “because of,” is common. Focusing on external factors (외부 요인 oe-bu yo-in), technical issues (기술적인 어려움 gi-sul-jeok-in eo-ryeo-um), or process-related problems (승인 절차 seung-in jeol-cha) is generally safer than pointing fingers.
Be specific but concise. Mentioning the exact area, like 데이터 분석 (de-i-teo bun-seok – data analysis) or 테스트 과정 (te-seu-teu gwa-jeong – testing process), adds credibility. If the reason involves another department or external party, state it factually without assigning blame, like OO 부서와의 협업 (OO bu-seo-wa-ui hyeob-eob – collaboration with OO department) or 공급업체 측 문제 (gong-geup-eop-che cheuk mun-je – supplier-side issue).
Sometimes, you might not have all the answers immediately. In such cases, acknowledging the delay and promising a more detailed explanation later (자세한 내용은 추후 다시 설명드리겠습니다) can be a temporary measure, but ensure you follow up promptly.
Key Expressions: Proposing Solutions and Next Steps
After explaining the delay and its cause, it’s vital to show initiative by proposing solutions or outlining the next steps. This demonstrates responsibility and a forward-looking approach.
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Expression: 일정을 다시 조정해서 공유드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: il-jeong-eul da-si jo-jeong-hae-seo gong-yu-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will readjust the schedule and share it with you. -
Expression: 최대한 빨리 마무리하도록 노력하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: choe-dae-han ppal-li ma-mu-ri-ha-do-rok no-ryeok-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will try my best to finish it as quickly as possible. -
Expression: 추가 인력을 투입해서 속도를 높이겠습니다.
Pronunciation: chu-ga il-lyeok-eul tu-ip-hae-seo sok-do-reul nop-i-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We will add more personnel to speed things up. -
Expression: 야근이나 주말 근무를 통해 만회하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ya-geun-i-na ju-mal geun-mu-reul tong-hae man-hoe-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I/We will make up for it through overtime or weekend work. (Use cautiously, reflects company culture) -
Expression: 관련 부서와 긴밀히 협조하여 문제를 해결하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: gwan-ryeon bu-seo-wa gin-mil-hi hyeop-jo-ha-yeo mun-je-reul hae-gyeol-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We will cooperate closely with the relevant departments to resolve the issue. -
Expression: 새로운 마감일을 O월 O일로 제안합니다.
Pronunciation: sae-ro-un ma-gam-il-eul O-wol O-il-lo je-an-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I propose the new deadline to be Month Day. (Fill in the date) -
Expression: 우선순위를 재조정해서 중요한 업무부터 처리하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: u-seon-sun-wi-reul jae-jo-jeong-hae-seo jung-yo-han eom-mu-bu-teo cheo-ri-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We will reprioritize and handle the important tasks first. -
Expression: 대체 방안을 모색하고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: dae-che bang-an-eul mo-saek-ha-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We are exploring alternative solutions/methods. -
Expression: 지연 시간을 최소화하기 위해 최선을 다하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ji-yeon si-gan-eul choe-so-hwa-ha-gi wi-hae choe-seon-eul da-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We will do our best to minimize the delay time. -
Expression: 변경된 계획은 내일까지 공유드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: byeon-gyeong-doen gye-hoek-eun nae-il-kka-ji gong-yu-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will share the revised plan by tomorrow. -
Expression: 팀원들과 협력하여 이 문제를 극복하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: tim-won-deul-gwa hyeom-ryeok-ha-yeo i mun-je-reul geuk-bok-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We will overcome this problem by collaborating with the team members. -
Expression: 정기적으로 진행 상황을 업데이트하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jeong-gi-jeok-eu-ro jin-haeng sang-hwang-eul eop-de-i-teu-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will update the progress regularly. -
Expression: 혹시 다른 좋은 아이디어가 있으시면 말씀해주세요.
Pronunciation: hok-si da-reun jo-eun a-i-di-eo-ga i-sseu-si-myeon mal-sseum-hae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please let me know if you happen to have any other good ideas. (Invites collaboration) -
Expression: 위험 요소를 관리하며 신중하게 진행하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: wi-heom yo-so-reul gwal-li-ha-myeo sin-jung-ha-ge jin-haeng-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We will proceed carefully while managing the risk factors. -
Expression: 다음 주 회의 때까지 해결 방안을 마련하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: da-eum ju hoe-ui ttae-kka-ji hae-gyeol bang-an-eul ma-ryeon-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will prepare a solution by the next meeting next week.
Using the future tense ending ~겠습니다 (~get-seum-ni-da) signifies intention and commitment. Phrases like 노력하겠습니다 (no-ryeok-ha-get-seum-ni-da – I will try/make effort) and 최선을 다하겠습니다 (choe-seon-eul da-ha-get-seum-ni-da – I will do my best) are common ways to show dedication to resolving the issue.
Proposing concrete actions like 일정을 다시 조정해서 공유드리겠습니다 (il-jeong-eul da-si jo-jeong-hae-seo gong-yu-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da – I will readjust and share the schedule) or suggesting a 새로운 마감일 (sae-ro-un ma-gam-il – new deadline) provides clarity. Mentioning collaboration (협조하여 hyeop-jo-ha-yeo, 협력하여 hyeom-ryeok-ha-yeo) reinforces teamwork.
Offering extreme measures like 야근이나 주말 근무 (ya-geun-i-na ju-mal geun-mu – overtime or weekend work) might be expected in some demanding Korean work environments, but gauge the situation and company culture before suggesting this. Emphasizing efforts to minimize impact (지연 시간을 최소화하기 위해 ji-yeon si-gan-eul choe-so-hwa-ha-gi wi-hae) is always a good strategy.
Practical Tips: Applying in Real Life
Navigating delay explanations requires more than just language; understanding the context and applying practical strategies is key. Here are some tips for effectively communicating delays to teammates in a Korean workplace:
- Timeliness is Crucial: Report delays as soon as they become apparent. Waiting until the last minute is highly unprofessional and can damage trust. Early communication allows teammates and superiors to adjust plans accordingly. Use phrases like 상황을 파악하는 대로 바로 보고드리겠습니다 (sang-hwang-eul pa-ak-ha-neun dae-ro ba-ro bo-go-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da – I will report immediately as soon as I grasp the situation) to show proactiveness even before you have all the details.
- Focus on Facts, Not Blame: When explaining the reason, stick to objective facts. Avoid blaming individuals or other teams, even if they contributed to the delay. Frame it around issues, processes, or external factors. For example, instead of saying “Team X didn’t give us the data,” say 데이터 전달이 지연되어 작업이 늦어졌습니다 (de-i-teo jeon-dal-i ji-yeon-doe-eo jak-eob-i neut-eo-jyeot-seum-ni-da – The work was delayed because the data transfer was delayed).
- Prepare Solutions/Mitigation Plans: Don’t just report the problem; come prepared with potential solutions or next steps. This shows responsibility and initiative. Even if the plan isn’t finalized, showing you’re actively working on it, like 현재 해결 방안을 검토 중입니다 (hyeon-jae hae-gyeol bang-an-eul geom-to jung-im-ni-da – We are currently reviewing solutions), is better than having no plan.
- Use Formal Language (존댓말 – Jondaetmal): Always use formal polite language (~습니다/ㅂ니다 or ~아요/어요 endings, depending on the specific politeness level appropriate for your team) when discussing work matters in meetings, especially when delivering potentially negative news like a delay. This maintains professionalism and respect.
- Apologize Sincerely (but Appropriately): A simple apology like 늦어져서 죄송합니다 (neut-eo-jyeo-seo joe-song-ham-ni-da – I am sorry it’s delayed) or 일정에 차질이 생겨 죄송합니다 (il-jeong-e cha-jil-i saeng-gyeo joe-song-ham-ni-da – I am sorry for the setback in the schedule) is often expected and appreciated. However, avoid excessive or overly dramatic apologies, which might seem insincere or shift focus unnecessarily.
- Consider the Hierarchy: While explaining to a teammate (dong-ryo, 동료), the tone might be slightly less rigid than explaining to a superior (상사, sang-sa). However, maintain professionalism. If the delay significantly impacts the team or project, ensure your team leader or manager is informed first or concurrently.
- Offer Regular Updates: After the initial report, commit to providing regular updates on the progress of resolving the issue and the revised timeline. Phrases like 매일 오전에 진행 상황을 공유드리겠습니다 (mae-il o-jeon-e jin-haeng sang-hwang-eul gong-yu-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da – I will share the progress every morning) build confidence and transparency.
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding Korean workplace culture is essential for navigating situations like explaining delays effectively. Communication styles and expectations can differ significantly from other cultures.
1. The Importance of Nunchi (눈치): Nunchi refers to the subtle art of reading a situation, understanding unspoken cues, and gauging others’ moods and expectations. When explaining a delay, having good nunchi is crucial. Before bringing up the delay, try to assess the meeting atmosphere and your teammate’s disposition. If the mood is tense, you might need to be extra careful with your wording, perhaps starting with a stronger apology or emphasizing the mitigation plan more heavily. Nunchi also involves understanding when it’s appropriate to bring up the issue – perhaps not at the very beginning of a meeting if other critical items need discussion first, unless the delay itself is the most critical point. It’s about timing and sensitivity, ensuring your message lands as smoothly as possible without causing unnecessary friction or embarrassment. For instance, if you notice your team lead seems stressed, you might choose a phrase that emphasizes collective effort in finding a solution rather than just stating the problem.
2. Indirect Communication and Saving Face (체면 – Chemyeon): While clarity is important, direct confrontation or blunt statements, especially those that could imply fault, are often avoided in Korean culture to protect everyone’s “face” or social standing (체면, chemyeon). When explaining a delay, focus on the situation or external factors rather than assigning blame. Using softening language like 좀 (jom – a bit), ~ㄹ 것 같다 (~l geot gat-da – it seems like), or passive voice constructions helps achieve this. For example, instead of saying “I made a mistake,” one might say 실수가 있었습니다 (sil-su-ga it-seot-seum-ni-da – There was a mistake). This indirectness prevents individuals from losing face and maintains harmony within the team. When explaining a delay caused by another team’s input, phrasing like 자료 전달 과정에서 약간의 지연이 있었습니다 (ja-ryo jeon-dal gwa-jeong-e-seo yak-gan-ui ji-yeon-i isseot-seum-ni-da – There was a slight delay in the process of data transfer) is preferred over directly stating “Team B was late.”
3. Collective Responsibility (우리 – Uri Culture): Korea has a strong collectivist culture, often referred to with the concept of “uri” (우리), meaning “we” or “us.” In the workplace, successes and failures are often viewed as collective rather than purely individual. When explaining a delay, framing it as a team challenge can be effective. Use “we” (우리, uri or 저희, jeo-hui – humble form) when discussing the problem and the solution. For example, 저희가 이 문제를 해결하기 위해 노력하겠습니다 (jeo-hui-ga i mun-je-reul hae-gyeol-ha-gi wi-hae no-ryeok-ha-get-seum-ni-da – We will strive to solve this problem). This approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility and encourages collaboration in finding solutions. It shows that you see the delay not just as your personal setback but as a challenge the team needs to overcome together, which aligns well with the emphasis on group harmony and collective goals prevalent in many Korean organizations.
4. Hierarchy and Formality: Korean society and workplaces are generally hierarchical. Even when speaking to a teammate (동료, dong-ryo) who might be of similar rank, maintaining a level of formality (존댓말, jondaetmal) in official settings like meetings is standard practice. The specific level of formality might vary based on company culture and your relationship with the teammate, but using the ~습니다/ㅂ니다 (seumnida/mnida) or at least the ~아요/어요 (ayo/eoyo) polite endings is expected. Addressing teammates appropriately, possibly using their title and name (e.g., 김 대리님, Kim Daeri-nim – Assistant Manager Kim), reinforces respect. When explaining a delay, this formality helps maintain professionalism and shows you are taking the situation seriously, regardless of your personal closeness with the colleague outside of the meeting context.
Real Conversation Example
Here’s a sample dialogue illustrating how a worker might explain a delay to a teammate during a project status meeting.
Situation: Min-jun needs to update his teammate, Su-jin, about a delay in the market research report they are collaborating on during their weekly team meeting.
Roles:
* A: Min-jun (민준) – Explaining the delay
* B: Su-jin (수진) – Teammate receiving the update
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Expression: A: 수진 씨, 다음은 시장 조사 보고서 진행 상황인데요. 죄송하지만, 일정이 좀 늦어지고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: su-jin ssi, da-eum-eun si-jang jo-sa bo-go-seo jin-haeng sang-hwang-in-de-yo. joe-song-ha-ji-man, il-jeong-i jom neut-eo-ji-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Su-jin, next is the progress on the market research report. I’m sorry, but the schedule is being delayed a bit. -
Expression: B: 아, 그래요? 원래 이번 주 금요일까지 초안 완료 예정 아니었나요?
Pronunciation: a, geu-rae-yo? won-rae i-beon ju geum-yo-il-kka-ji cho-an wan-ryo ye-jeong a-ni-eon-na-yo?
Meaning: Oh, really? Wasn’t the draft originally scheduled to be completed by this Friday? -
Expression: A: 네, 맞습니다. 그런데 설문 데이터 분석에 예상보다 시간이 훨씬 많이 걸리고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, mat-seum-ni-da. geu-reon-de seol-mun de-i-teo bun-seok-e ye-sang-bo-da si-gan-i hwol-ssin man-i geol-li-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, that’s right. However, analyzing the survey data is taking much more time than expected. -
Expression: B: 데이터 분석이요? 특별한 문제라도 있었나요?
Pronunciation: de-i-teo bun-seok-i-yo? teuk-byeol-han mun-je-ra-do i-sseon-na-yo?
Meaning: Data analysis? Was there any particular problem? -
Expression: A: 예상치 못한 이상치 데이터가 많아서 그걸 처리하고 검증하는 데 시간이 좀 소요됐습니다. 거의 마무리 단계이긴 합니다.
Pronunciation: ye-sang-chi mot-han i-sang-chi de-i-teo-ga man-a-seo geu-geol cheo-ri-ha-go geom-jeung-ha-neun de si-gan-i jom so-yo-dwaet-seum-ni-da. geo-ui ma-mu-ri dan-gye-i-gin ham-ni-da.
Meaning: There was a lot of unexpected outlier data, so processing and verifying it took some time. We are almost in the final stages, though. -
Expression: B: 알겠습니다. 그럼 최종 보고서 제출일도 영향을 받겠네요?
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. geu-reom choe-jong bo-go-seo je-chul-il-do yeong-hyang-eul bat-gen-ne-yo?
Meaning: I understand. Then the final report submission date will also be affected, right? -
Expression: A: 네, 불가피할 것 같습니다. 초안 완료를 다음 주 화요일까지로 생각하고 있습니다. 괜찮으실까요?
Pronunciation: ne, bul-ga-pi-hal geot gat-seum-ni-da. cho-an wan-ryo-reul da-eum ju hwa-yo-il-kka-ji-ro saeng-gak-ha-go it-seum-ni-da. gwaen-chan-eu-sil-kka-yo?
Meaning: Yes, it seems unavoidable. I’m thinking of completing the draft by next Tuesday. Would that be okay? -
Expression: B: 화요일이요… 네, 일단 알겠습니다. 그럼 제가 맡은 파트도 그 일정에 맞춰서 준비하면 될까요?
Pronunciation: hwa-yo-il-i-yo… ne, il-dan al-get-seum-ni-da. geu-reom je-ga mat-eun pa-teu-do geu il-jeong-e mat-chwo-seo jun-bi-ha-myeon doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Tuesday… Okay, I understand for now. Then should I prepare my part according to that schedule as well? -
Expression: A: 네, 그렇게 해주시면 감사하겠습니다. 최대한 지연 시간을 줄이도록 노력하고, 변경된 전체 일정은 정리해서 오늘 오후까지 공유드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, geu-reok-ke hae-ju-si-myeon gam-sa-ha-get-seum-ni-da. choe-dae-han ji-yeon si-gan-eul jul-i-do-rok no-ryeok-ha-go, byeon-gyeong-doen jeon-che il-jeong-eun jeong-ni-hae-seo o-neul o-hu-kka-ji gong-yu-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I would appreciate it if you could do that. I’ll try to minimize the delay time as much as possible, and I’ll organize and share the revised overall schedule by this afternoon. -
Expression: B: 네, 알겠습니다. 혹시 제가 도울 일 있으면 말씀해주세요.
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. hok-si je-ga do-ul il i-sseu-myeon mal-sseum-hae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Okay, I understand. Please let me know if there’s anything I can help with.
Conversation Points & Analysis:
- Polite Opening: Min-jun starts with an apology (죄송하지만) and uses the softening phrase 좀 늦어지고 있습니다, setting a polite and professional tone.
- Clear Reason: He clearly states the reason (설문 데이터 분석에 예상보다 시간이 훨씬 많이 걸리고 있습니다) focusing on the task (data analysis) and the cause (unexpected time consumption, later specified as outliers) rather than blaming himself directly.
- ~ㄹ 것 같습니다 Usage: Min-jun uses 불가피할 것 같습니다 (bul-ga-pi-hal geot gat-seum-ni-da – it seems unavoidable) when discussing the impact on the final deadline, softening the certainty while still conveying the likelihood.
- Proposing New Timeline & Seeking Agreement: He proposes a specific new deadline for the draft (다음 주 화요일까지) and asks for Su-jin’s confirmation (괜찮으실까요? – Would that be okay?), showing consideration for his teammate.
- Commitment to Action & Follow-up: Min-jun commits to minimizing further delay (최대한 지연 시간을 줄이도록 노력하고) and promises to share the revised full schedule promptly (오늘 오후까지 공유드리겠습니다), demonstrating responsibility.
- Collaborative Closing: Su-jin’s offer to help (혹시 제가 도울 일 있으면 말씀해주세요) reflects a supportive team dynamic, common in collaborative Korean work environments.
Additional Useful Information: Expressions Worth Knowing
Beyond the core expressions, knowing some additional phrases and understanding nuances can further enhance your communication when discussing delays.
1. Expressing Urgency (Politely):
Sometimes, while explaining a delay, you might need to convey that resolving it is urgent. Doing so politely is key.
* 이 문제는 시급히 해결해야 합니다. (i mun-je-neun si-geup-hi hae-gyeol-hae-ya ham-ni-da.) – This issue needs to be resolved urgently.
* 가장 우선적으로 처리해야 할 사항입니다. (ga-jang u-seon-jeok-eu-ro cheo-ri-hae-ya hal sa-hang-im-ni-da.) – This is the matter that needs to be handled with the highest priority.
* 시간이 촉박하니 서둘러야 할 것 같습니다. (si-gan-i chok-bak-ha-ni seo-dul-leo-ya hal geot gat-seum-ni-da.) – Time is tight, so it seems we need to hurry.
These phrases clearly state the urgency without sounding demanding, especially when used in conjunction with proposed actions.
2. Discussing Impact on Other Tasks/Teams:
Delays often have ripple effects. You might need to discuss how the delay impacts other related work or teams.
* 이 지연으로 인해 후속 작업에도 영향이 있을 수 있습니다. (i ji-yeon-eu-ro in-hae hu-sok jak-eob-e-do yeong-hyang-i it-seul su it-seum-ni-da.) – Due to this delay, subsequent tasks might also be affected.
* 관련 부서에도 일정을 업데이트해야 할 것 같습니다. (gwan-ryeon bu-seo-e-do il-jeong-eul eop-de-i-teu-hae-ya hal geot gat-seum-ni-da.) – It seems we need to update the schedule for the related departments as well.
* 다른 팀의 업무에 차질이 없도록 조율하겠습니다. (da-reun tim-ui eom-mu-e cha-jil-i eop-do-rok jo-yul-ha-get-seum-ni-da.) – I will coordinate so that the work of other teams is not disrupted.
Communicating potential impacts proactively shows foresight and consideration for the broader project or organization.
3. Requesting Understanding or Patience:
While taking responsibility is important, sometimes you might need to implicitly or explicitly ask for understanding.
* 이 점 양해 부탁드립니다. (i jeom yang-hae bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.) – I ask for your understanding regarding this point. (Very common and polite)
* 상황이 예상과 다르게 흘러가서 죄송합니다. 조금만 기다려 주시면 감사하겠습니다. (sang-hwang-i ye-sang-gwa da-reu-ge heul-leo-ga-seo joe-song-ham-ni-da. jo-geum-man gi-da-ryeo ju-si-myeon gam-sa-ha-get-seum-ni-da.) – I apologize that the situation unfolded differently than expected. I would appreciate it if you could wait just a little bit.
* 최대한 빨리 정상화하도록 노력 중이니 양해 바랍니다. (choe-dae-han ppal-li jeong-sang-hwa-ha-do-rok no-ryeok jung-i-ni yang-hae ba-ram-ni-da.) – We are trying our best to normalize the situation as quickly as possible, so please understand.
Using 양해 부탁드립니다 (yang-hae butak-deurimnida) or 양해 바랍니다 (yang-hae baramnida) is a standard way to politely request understanding in formal situations.
Core Elements of the Topic: A Detailed Look
Successfully explaining a delay in a Korean workplace involves understanding several core elements beyond just the language.
1. Clarity and Conciseness: While indirectness is sometimes preferred culturally, the core message – that there is a delay – needs to be clear. Start with a clear statement like 일정이 늦어지고 있습니다 (il-jeong-i neut-eo-ji-go it-seum-ni-da). Follow up with a concise reason and proposed action. Avoid overly long explanations or excuses, which can seem unprofessional. Get straight to the point regarding the status, the reason (briefly), and the plan. For example, “The schedule is delayed because data verification took longer than expected. We aim to complete the draft by Tuesday and will share the revised full schedule this afternoon.” This structure provides all necessary information efficiently.
2. Professionalism and Formality: Maintaining a professional demeanor is paramount. This includes using appropriate formal language (존댓말, Jondaetmal), adhering to meeting etiquette, and presenting the information calmly and factually. Even if the delay is frustrating, avoid showing excessive emotion. The use of ~습니다/ㅂ니다 endings, addressing colleagues respectfully (e.g., using ~씨 (-ssi) or their title + 님 (-nim)), and structuring your explanation logically all contribute to professionalism. This formality reinforces that you are treating the work and your colleagues with respect, even when delivering bad news.
3. Accountability and Proactiveness: Simply stating a delay isn’t enough; demonstrating accountability and a proactive approach to solving the problem is crucial. This means acknowledging the delay (often with a brief apology), explaining the cause factually, and, most importantly, outlining concrete next steps or solutions. Phrases indicating effort (노력하겠습니다, 최선을 다하겠습니다) and specific actions (일정을 재조정하겠습니다, 대체 방안을 찾겠습니다) show that you are taking ownership and actively working to mitigate the issue. This assures your teammates that the situation is under control and being managed responsibly.
Conclusion: Practice Tips
Explaining delays is never easy, but with the right expressions and cultural understanding, you can handle it professionally in a Korean workplace!~ Remember, clear communication, politeness, and a proactive approach are key.
So, how can you practice? Try role-playing scenarios with a language partner or tutor. Imagine different reasons for delays (technical issues, external factors, resource problems) and practice explaining them using the phrases learned here. Focus on using the correct formality level (~습니다/ㅂ니다) and incorporating softening expressions like 좀 or ~ㄹ 것 같습니다.
As a next step, pay attention during meetings (if you’re already in a Korean work environment) or watch Korean dramas depicting office life. Observe how native speakers handle similar situations. Notice their word choices, tone, and how they balance directness with politeness. You can also practice writing short email updates explaining a hypothetical delay, focusing on structure: statement of delay, reason, proposed solution/next steps, and apology/request for understanding.
Don’t be afraid to use these expressions! Start with the core phrases and gradually incorporate more nuanced ones as you gain confidence. Your Korean colleagues will appreciate your effort to communicate clearly and respectfully. 화이팅! (hwaiting! – You can do it!)
